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Robert Montour’s life changed forever when his father was killed in World War II after a destroyer ship he was on was sunk in Okinawa — a Japanese prefecture.

Montour, who was only 10 when his father was killed in 1945, knew he was destined to serve in the Navy. So as soon as he turned 16, he packed his bags and ventured off to boot camp before eventually serving in the Korean War.

“My dad being killed kind of guided me toward wanting to get into the service,” said Montour, who is now 87 and lives alone in his longtime Lakewood home. “I could not wait to get in.”

When he came home, Montour married his late wife and had six children. He moved temporarily to California to take a painter’s apprenticeship, after which he worked for 41 years as a commercial painter. His career included time spent painting many of the skyscrapers in downtown Denver when they were first constructed.

But even Montour — who has worked with his hands all his life — admits that he needs help with upkeeping his home. The exterior of his house was beginning to deteriorate, and he needed modifications and repairs for his home to continue to age in place.

Thankfully, Montour learned of Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon after he saw a flyer about the service at his barbershop in August. So, he applied for the program, and two weeks later, a group of Wells Fargo volunteers came to paint Montour’s home and visit with him and his family. Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul and Lakewood City Councilmember Rebekah Stewart also visited the site to see the paint job and visit with Montour.

His home is one of three houses Wells Fargo painted through the Paint-A-Thon and is part of the company’s Welcome Home Initiative — an enterprise-wide employee engagement initiative that aims to support Wells Fargo’s commitment to affordable and sustainable housing.

Later this year, thanks to funding from Wells Fargo, Brothers will also provide Montour with a step-in shower, a new back door, and repairs for his home.

“I don’t like to be dependent on anybody — but I appreciate the help,” said Montour. “I appreciate someone being concerned about me and my well-being.”

 

Thank you Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. and Wells Fargo for helping this Korean War Veteran and his amazing family….

Posted by Mayor Adam Paul on Saturday, September 17, 2022

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I feel so lucky to have been invited along with Mayor Adam Paul to the home of one of my constituents whose home was…

Posted by Councilwoman Rebekah Stewart on Saturday, September 17, 2022

 


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Around three years ago, Anita Marui lost her mother and was left without any family in Colorado. That’s when PCL Construction Superintendent Josh Cervantes stepped in.

Cervantes and Marui were introduced to each other when he volunteered to paint her house in 2019 through Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program. And since then, the two have always stayed in touch.

Cervantes regularly texts Marui, has went to church with her, and even made sure that she had Thanksgiving dinner. And although she’s never asked him for help, Cervantes went out of his way to grocery shop for her during the pandemic.

“It’s not just about doing a good deed. It’s about building friendships,” said Cervantes. “Friends are family, and if they need something, we’re there to help out.”

Cervantes has volunteered for the Paint-A-Thon every year since 2016 and has organized some of the most complex Paint-A-Thon projects. He walks into every Paint-A-Thon project with the goal of taking an old home and turning it into an “MTV Cribs pad” while showing care and encouragement for each Paint-A-Thon client.

Earlier in August, as he was volunteering for the Paint-A-Thon with other PCL Construction employees at a Littleton home, Cervantes was awarded the Roland Buteyn Heart of Service Award from Brothers— the highest honor a Paint-A-Thon volunteer can receive. The award is named after Roland Buteyn who helped to develop many core Brothers’ programs like the Paint-A-Thon and Home Modification and Repair departments.

Brothers Volunteer Department Director Chad Nibbelink said that although this is the fifth year Roland is not with us to help present his award, his legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the programs he helped create and people like Cervantes who generously serve through Brothers.

“(Cervantes) and his wife Arica are some of the best Paint-A-Thon advocates. They display genuine care and service for our older adult neighbors and authentically engage their volunteer teams — making for the most fun and rewarding experience for everyone,” said Nibbelink. “Josh is totally deserving of this award, and we are honored to make him the 2022 Roland Buteyn Heart of Service Award recipient.”

Cervantes said the Paint-A-Thon is the perfect opportunity for PCL Construction to come together as a team to help people in need. He added that him and PCL Construction volunteers always try to go above and beyond and do more than what’s expected for each Paint-A-Thon project.

PCL Construction has volunteered for the Paint-A-Thon since 1985. The company is also sponsoring this year’s Local Social — Brothers’ annual fundraiser that supports the Paint-A-Thon.

“I have a huge heart, and receiving the award hit me emotionally. But to me, it’s not about the award, it’s more about setting an example,” said Cervantes. “The award is an award, but it’s about people seeing the little things you do make a difference. And hopefully that can carry on from one person to another.”


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Kevin Lockett was known as a kind, gentle man who loved his family, his commercial refrigeration business, his customers, and looking out for those in need.

He was known to use his business to help others like the Ft. Lupton Food Bank. And in his spare time, he enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife and seeing different places he didn’t get to as a child like Mexico.

Sadly, on July 5 Lockett fell through a roof while working and passed away due to his injuries at the age of 59. His family was left looking for a way to honor his memory and legacy of giving back to others before they were presented with the opportunity to volunteer for the Paint-A-Thon.

So, on Aug. 13 the family and employees from Heritage Title Company volunteered for a Paint-A-Thon project. Volunteers wore shirts that read “Kevin’s Krew” as they spent their Saturday painting a Denver house for an older married couple in need. It was a touching tribute for a man that gave so much.

“We thought if given the opportunity, he would’ve been out there painting,” said Leanna Boland, Lockett’s sister. Boland serves as Heritage Title Company’s regional title officer. The volunteer opportunity came from Heritage Hearts in Partnership — an employee volunteer program and community outreach of Heritage Title Company.

“It was a rewarding experience. I liked the opportunity to be outside and working and to be giving back to someone in need,” she added.

Boland believes Lockett would’ve absolutely loved the fact that his family completed a Paint-A-Thon project in honor of his memory. She said the experience filled each volunteer’s heart and provided them with the chance to build relationships while contributing to a worthy cause.

“Seeing the homeowners’ faces and how happy they were was great. They came and visited with us when we were painting, and they were just so appreciative of the people that were there for them,” said Boland.


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Housing nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment is now accepting applications for its 44th annual Paint-A-Thon season.

The free program utilizes volunteers to paint the exterior of homes for low-income seniors and disabled residents. Homeowners who live in Colorado Springs and in the Denver metro area are encouraged to apply — especially those who live in Commerce City, Arapahoe County and Lakewood.

Residents who are interested in applying for the program must be 60 years or older and/or have a disability, must own and reside in the Denver metro area or Colorado Springs and plan to live in their home for at least two years. To apply, call 720-339-5864 or email chad@brothersredevelopment.org.

“The stress of deferred home maintenance is real for everyone — especially our clients who are often home more than most. Having their home painted often means they can shed a huge burden that they had been carrying for years and feel pride about their home instead of shame,” said Brothers Redevelopment Volunteer Department Director Chad Nibbelink. “It can even mean having the confidence to meet new neighbors on the block and reengaging the community.”

Painting the exterior of a home can cost up to $5,000 — but the Paint-A-Thon Program offers income-eligible homeowners the chance to save big and devote their savings to other important costs like medication or groceries.

Throughout the Paint-A-Thon’s 43-year history, Brothers Redevelopment has painted 7,635 homes. In 2021, the program completed 95 projects and saved homeowners $466,650.

“Paint-A-Thon clients want to take care of the outside of their home, but physical and financial constraints limit them from getting the work done. On average, it would cost our clients 25% of their yearly income to have their home painted,” said Nibbelink. “As a result, our aging neighbors are forced to watch their homes deteriorate or put themselves in great financial risk to get the home painted. With each home we paint, an aging adult household is better able to age well in their home.”


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In 2021 — a year in which Brothers Redevelopment turned 50 years old — we went above and beyond to compassionately address Colorado’s housing needs.

Brothers Redevelopment saw its programs impact hundreds of low-income and disabled seniors, provided millions of dollars in rental/mortgage assistance, answered Colorado’s most pressing housing questions and connected Coloradans to local housing resources — all while building and developing affordable housing for at risk residents.

Take a trip down memory lane and relive some of our best stories from 2021.

Paint-A-Thon transforms 90-plus houses 

Brothers Redevelopment’s signature Paint-A-Thon Program roared back in 2021 by completing 95 projects across the metro area and in Colorado Springs.

The Paint-A-Thon saves elderly and disabled residents up to $5,000 per household — money that can be used for important costs like medication and bills.

It’s always amazing to see how Paint-A-Thon volunteers transform houses that are in need of a makeover. It’s even more amazing to see a client’s reaction when they see their updated house for the first time.

Over the summer, 93-year-old Barbara Rodriguez’s reaction to seeing her freshly painted house was caught on camera. Read her story and check out the video here.

Home Modification and Repair Program proves to be handy 

It’s no secret that cost of housing can leave residents with the possibility of having to leave their home. But often times, we hear from some disabled clients that they’re faced with having to move if they can’t conduct crucial home repairs and modifications. That’s where our Home Modification and Repair Program comes in.

Brothers Redevelopment’s Home Modification and Repair Program served more than 460 households in the metro area and in Colorado Springs this year. The program also received support from local governments like the City of Westminster who provided additional funding for it back in July.

In 2021, the program impacted people like Commerce City resident Arthur Saiz — a United States Army Veteran who received services from Brothers Redevelopment. Read about it here.

Brothers Redevelopment helps hundreds of households with rent 

This year, Brothers Redevelopment administered funds for a variety of rental and mortgage assistance services — including the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Through the program, Brothers Redevelopment assisted 281 households across the state with finances for rent. This year, the City of Denver also continued to trust in us by electing to award Brothers Redevelopment an additional $3 million to distribute through the city’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program.

Check out what one of our clients had to say about the impact rental assistance had on her.

Coloradans turn to Colorado Housing Connects as federal eviction moratorium ends 

In August, the Supreme Court rejected the Biden administration’s moratorium on evictions, leaving thousands of Coloradans vulnerable to the possibility of losing their home. Thankfully, residents in all parts of Colorado could turn to Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) for help.

Shortly after the end of the federal eviction moratorium, Colorado Housing Connects saw a 55% increase in inquiries. Residents like Jessica Hopf avoided eviction, thanks to the work of the housing helpline’s housing navigators. Without Colorado Housing Connects, Hopf said she would’ve lost her home.

NextFifty Initiative entrusts in Brothers Redevelopment to serve Spanish speaking seniors 

At the beginning of the year, Brothers Redevelopment added bilingual staff to our Aging in Place senior services program, ensuring that more Spanish-speaking seniors across the state could get access to crucial resources like Social Security, food assistance, health care, transportation and other federal and state benefits.

The program proved to be successful by serving 269 Spanish speaking seniors in 2021, resulting in $450,563.51 in cost savings for our clients. NextFifty Initiative awarded the program a grant toward the end of this year, lending to Brothers Redevelopment’s ability to help Spanish-speaking seniors get connected to resources that can help them avoid challenges that arise with aging. Read more here.

Housing, housing…. and more housing 

Brothers Redevelopment continued to fulfill its mission of developing and preserving sustainable affordable housing in 2021.

In May, Brothers Redevelopment, on behalf of the Globeville Elyria-Swansea Affordable Housing Collaborative, worked with local developer Adam Berger to set a modular duplex at 4401 Milwaukee St. The homes were designed for Globeville and Elyria-Swansea families who are facing displacement and placed into the GES Tierra Colectiva — a community owned land trust that will preserve affordability for generations to come. Brothers Redevelopment also recently broke ground on a five-unit affordable housing community at 4401 Josephine St. Those homes will also be sold to Globeville and Elyria-Swansea families who are facing displacement and will be placed into the land trust.

Finally, Brothers Redevelopment and community members gathered in the fall to celebrate the groundbreaking of Valor on the Fax — a new affordable living community that will assist individuals who face housing insecurity due to an acquired brain injury or related disability.

For Valor on the Fax, Brothers Redevelopment is teaming up with the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado who will offer support, counseling and resources to tenants at the community. Our staff will also be on site to provide our housing services to the community’s residents. Valor on the Fax will be located at 7900 E. Colfax and is expected to be completed sometime in 2022. Read this news article about Valor on the Fax.

 

 

 

 


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Over our 50-year history, we’ve seen first-hand how lives can be changed when vulnerable Coloradans have a helping hand.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing challenges were an issue that plagued many residents. The region’s housing issues have become even more evident this past year and a half.

We’re doing our part to help people keep their housing by providing local and statewide rental/mortgage assistance, helping disabled and low-income residents with services like our Paint-A-Thon and Home Modification and Repair Programs, answering all housing questions through our statewide housing helpline Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), providing and developing affordable housing, and much more.

Our work doesn’t stop there though. Our Aging in Place senior services program makes a difference on thousands of older adults each year by connecting them to resources that help them age comfortably. And our housing counselors are helping Coloradans take their first steps toward purchasing their first homes through our first-time homebuyer classes.

Colorado Gives Day is coming up on Tuesday, Dec. 7. The date is important for many nonprofits like ours because it provides the opportunity for us to raise funds to continue to support Coloradans through our many different programs. We hope we can count on your donation this Dec. 7. Donations can be scheduled here.

Each year, Brothers Redevelopment makes a difference on thousands of people across the state. Don’t just take it from us though. Here are some things some of our clients had to say about the impact we had on them.

Brothers Redevelopment client testimonies 

“The last time my house was painted was in the middle of the 1980’s. The change is really phenomenal. The volunteers pulled weeds and cleaned up my whole yard. They were really incredible. It was wonderful, thank you so much Brothers.” – Sherry Collins, Paint-A-Thon client.

“It was a time in my life when I sincerely needed help. Brothers was there. I’m thankful that there is an opportunity for people like me to feel secure in that you can keep on living in your own space.” Patricia Whitedove, Home Modification and Repair client.

“I know there’s a lot of people having a hard time with (paying for housing) right now, and if they can get to an agency like Brothers, that would be the greatest thing. They’ve been really great working with me.” – Allan Bullington, Colorado Housing Connects client.

“Brothers has always been a positive source. In my situation, I’ve struggled. They’re always telling me I’ll come out of this. They’ve helped me build my own faith in myself to just know that I’m a tough cookie, and I can get through this.” – Marlene Beeler, Aging in Place client.

“You don’t notice things when you’ve lived with them for so long. In two days, Brothers Redevelopment transformed our house with the bright yellow paint with bad trim to a nice-looking house that made an impression on us. It’s something we couldn’t have afforded to do. This is an important step to getting our house back in order. The people that came out here were really friendly, did a nice job and worked well as a team. It was certainly a blessing.” – Allan Elliot, Paint-A-Thon client.

“Without the (Home Modification and Repair Program), I would have had to move. And it would have been a very traumatic move for me.” – Beverly Kinard, Home Modification and Repair Program client.

“Colorado Housing Connects is really on top of things, and they can get you the resources you need. I hope this gets out to somebody who needs help. There are so many people that are really suffering right now, and if they use Colorado Housing Connects — their staff is just so caring and giving.” – Jessica Hopf, Colorado Housing Connects client.

“I called Brothers, and it just worked out perfectly. Brothers took all of my fear away. I had felt that I was caught between a rock and a hard place before calling Brothers. They were able to give me the resources, make me aware of them and assist me in securing what resources are available.” – Linn Argabrite, Aging in Place client.

 

 

 


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Brothers Redevelopment is pleased to announce that our Aging in Place senior services program for Spanish speakers has received another year of funding from NextFifty Initiative — a Colorado-based foundation that supports efforts to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers.

The grant lends to Brothers’ ability to help Spanish-speaking seniors by connecting them to resources that can help them avoid challenges that arise with aging. The Aging in Place Initiative connects older adults to a variety of resources, include Medicaid, Social Security, food assistance, rental/mortgage assistance and more.

Spanish-speaking seniors interested in the free program can access it by calling Brothers’ housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632). The Aging in Place Initiative welcomes undocumented residents to participate in the program.

“Our bilingual navigators are doing a great job helping our Spanish-speaking neighbors. To date, we have served 269 area residents which has resulted in $450,563.51 in cost savings to our clients,” said Brothers Resident Services Manager Gary Olson. “Often times, our clients are unaware of the many different benefits that are available to them. The Aging in Place Program works tirelessly to provide services free of charge to seniors that need us.”

Brothers Aging in Place Initiative, which provides a variety of services to older adults throughout the state to help them age comfortably and safely in their homes, incorporated bilingual navigators to more intentionally serve seniors in the Denver metro area and in other areas of the state like Eagle, Garfield, and Summit counties.

The program can help seniors access information on all housing-related financial topics and assists with identity-theft protection, living wills, powers of attorney, financial planning, and budgeting. Program participants can also access other services offered by Brothers including our Home Modification and Repair Program, which assists disabled and elderly residents with maintaining their homes through free home accessibility repair services, exterior home-repair services and interior repairs; and our annual Paint-A-Thon Program — a free service offered to elderly and disabled residents in which volunteers paint the outside of homes throughout the metro area.

Services like the Aging in Place Initiative that help residents age comfortably are vital. Currently, one in seven Coloradans (13.8%) is age 65 or older, according to data from the United States Census Bureau. By 2050, one in five Coloradans will be age 65 or older.

For more information about the Aging in Place Initiative, visit brothersredevelopment.org/senior-services.

“Our goal is to transform the way our society views and experiences aging, and that influences the types of programs and projects we fund,” said Diana McFail, president and CEO of NextFifty Initiative. “’Brothers Redevelopment’s work with older adults aligns with our efforts to improve and sustain quality of life for people in their second 50 years. We offer our support and congratulations.”


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Elizabeth Reed’s life has been complicated due to her battle with multiple sclerosis — a disease that causes symptoms like vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired coordination.

The 65-year-old Aurora resident works hard to maintain her home, but the physical demands are often too much for her. Her house’s exterior paint was chipping and peeling off. And she also needed assistance with cleaning her home but couldn’t afford a housekeeper.

But through word of mouth, Reed learned of Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program — a service that utilizes volunteers to paint the exterior of homes for low-income and disabled homeowners. Through the program, Reed not only got her house and deck updated with fresh paint — she was also connected to the nonprofit’s senior services Aging in Place Program. Through Aging in Place, Reed was able to acquire assistance with cleaning her house, thanks to Brothers staff.

“I couldn’t afford to get my house painted, and I don’t know who else would’ve been able to do it. The paint alone made me feel better about pulling up into the driveway and seeing my house,” said Reed. “It looks so much better. It’s also been nice being able to get help accessing the resources I need.”

Since May, Brothers Senior Services Coordinator Rene Quihuiz has been assisting Reed by helping her secure long-term Medicaid and homecare. Reed said that before she accessed the Aging in Place Program, she was ready to give up on her quest to receive home cleaning services.

“I was frustrated because it was a long process of going back and forth with (other agencies). (Quihuiz) encouraged me to keep going at it and that he was going to do his part to see if he can get the ball rolling,” said Reed. “If it wasn’t for him, I probably would’ve given up.”

This year, the Paint-A-Thon served 151 people and completed 95 projects across the metro area and in Colorado Springs. The Aging in Place Program has served more than 2,000 Coloradans this year.

You can help Brothers continue to support residents like Reed by donating to us on Colorado Gives Day (Dec. 7). You can schedule a donation here.

 


2250 Eaton St., Suite B,
Denver, CO 80214

Main Phone Number: 303-202-6340
CHC Phone Number: 844-926-6632
Brothers Property Management:
877-751-9990
TTY 711
info@brothersredevelopment.org

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